Over February break, 20 students from Westhampton Beach journeyed across the Atlantic and took an adventure through Spain! Traveling to Madrid, Toledo, Seville, and Costa del Sol, the students met many people and experienced the Spanish culture.

The students started their journey by spending four days in Madrid. They visited the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums, where they witnessed the art of El Greco, Velazquez, Da Vinci, and Picasso. Then they were brought to a culinary school and were taught how to prepare popular Spanish dishes such as paella and Tortillas Españolas (potato tortillas).

The next day, they embarked on a full-day excursion to Segovia and toured the Alcazar castle and El Escorial. The students had to climb about 150 steps to the top of a steep mountain in order to tour the Alcazar. They had the opportunity to tour the mausoleum of El Escorial, which holds the previous kings and queens of Spain.

The last day in Madrid included an excursion to Toledo. Toledo is famous for its blend of the three cultures of Judaism, Catholicism, and Islam, and for its sword making. The students visited a real working sword factory, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, a cathedral, and the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca.

Seville was the second city visited on the trip. It is home to the mosque/cathedral La Mezquita, the Giralda Tower, and La Plaza de España.

Emily Beaver said, “Seville was my favorite city in Spain because it holds La Plaza de España. It was so big and beautiful. I wish we had more places like that.” The plaza is a large architectural piece in Seville. It was built during the Spanish empire, and has a plaque for each Spanish territory acquired at the time. Inside the plaza is a circular river, towers, and bridges, making it a perfect place for photos.

In Seville, the students also took a Flamenco dancing lesson, and went to a Flamenco show. They were paired up and taught basic flamenco moves, which proved difficult for many. Heather Galgano said, “The dancing was really hard but so much fun, and the dancers in the show were amazing!”

The trip ended with a trip to La Costa del Sol, on the southern coast of Spain. Here, they visited the Alhambra, which was used as a palace for the Moorish King.

All the students felt as though this was an incredible opportunity! Stay tuned for more information on the 2015 France trip!